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Aquaculture: a recipe for success

Ann is now a successful fish farmer. Ann is now a successful fish farmer.

Fish is an essential source of protein in the Kenyan diet, but local stocks are falling dangerously low. Aquaculture, or fish farming, is a great way to earn a living and to restock supplies. The Kenyan Government is investing in aquaculture, and with the Farm Africa team on hand to help, fish farming is an industry on the up.

Recognising the potential of aquaculture in local livelihoods, the Kenyan Government is supporting would-be fish farmers like Ann to set up their own ponds. The new farmers are given free fingerlings (baby fish) to start them off. But a lack of training and specialist equipment means that too many farms have been failing.

Ann’s first harvest earned her just £29. Discouraged and disheartened, she almost gave up.

Farm Africa believes that fish farming is an effective way to generate income and to provide families with an important source of protein. That’s why we set up a network of aqua shops to sell essential supplies and offer support to local fish farmers.

When Ann reached out to the Farm Africa team, we encouraged her to try again. This time we made sure that she attended specialist training. She was also given access to good quality fish food and fingerlings to restock her pond.

The team from the aquashop visited her regularly, and sure enough, Ann’s second harvest successfully earnt her £177. Inspired, she used the money to build a second pond - with her next harvest raising £430. That’s 15 times more than her first attempt!

Aquaculture has transformed Ann’s life. Her children eat a balanced diet, and a new freezer means that she can sell her fish between harvests. There’s already a team of hoteliers and fishmongers on the books. And with four more ponds and a fingerling hatchery in the pipeline, her sights are set on national markets.

Not bad for a beginner.

£120 could help ensure more fish farmers like Ann can access the essential supplies and support they need to make their ponds a success.

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